Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Have the Braves found the next Chipper Jones?

Chipper Jones spent 19 years with the Braves, batting .303 and 468 home runs.

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Chipper Jones spent 19 years with the Braves, batting .303 and 468 home runs.
By David O Brien
Feb 9, 2016

The 16-year-old Cuban free agent known as ‘Lazarito’ had a private workout Saturday with the Braves and has been linked to them and at least eight other teams, but he’s not the teen free agent Atlanta seems most likely to sign.

That player is Kevin Maitan, a switch-hitting Venezuelan shortstop who’s been at the center of the Braves’ international radar for more than a year. He turns 16 this week and will be eligible to sign for the first time on July 2, when the next international free-agent signing period begins.

A respected scout compared him to a young Chipper Jones.

You compare. Here's a look at both players' swings.

First Chipper:

Now Maitan:

» What are the Braves' chances of signing Maitan? Read more on myAJC

About the Author

David O Brien
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley and first baseman Matt Olson are finalists for the Silver Slugger award. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Braves’ Matt Olson, Austin Riley named Silver Slugger finalists

Both the first and third baseman have won the hitting award before.

Braves offseason needs: Shortstop and more pitching

A look at what president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos says the team needs.

Former Braves catcher Kurt Suzuki reportedly hired as Angels manager

Susuki, who played in Atlanta in 2017-18, takes over as manager for former Braves third base coach Ron Washington, who missed much of this season because of health issues.

The Latest

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley and first baseman Matt Olson are finalists for the Silver Slugger award. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Braves’ Matt Olson, Austin Riley named Silver Slugger finalists

Braves offseason needs: Shortstop and more pitching

Former Braves catcher Kurt Suzuki reportedly hired as Angels manager

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero | Sources: Hyosub Shin for AJC, Unsplash)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

THE FUTURE OF MARTA

Riding the color line: How race built Atlanta’s MARTA system

MARTA’s routes, reach and reputation were defined as much by race as by ridership, leaving a legacy of inequity that still shapes how Atlantans move — or don’t move.

Rivian layoffs to hit hundreds, but Georgia impacts expected to be small

The company is looking to reduce costs as it prepares to start production of its R2 crossover, which Rivian has said will eventually be built at its planned Georgia plant.

Bert Weiss shares his 6 favorite ‘Bert Show’ moments: Six Flags, Mariah Carey

Bert Weiss revisited some of the big moments in the early days of "The Bert Show" including incidents with Usher, Mariah Carey and Six Flags Over Georgia.